Review: Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Based on an original script by Guillermo Del Toro and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Hellboy II: The Golden Army brings back the colorful members of the B.P.R.D. (that's the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Development, to the layperson) as they face their newest threat.

For ages past, the human world and the invisible fantasy world have been living under a truce of non-interference. That is until Prince Nuada (ex pop singer Luke Goss, formerly of the band Bros.), son of the legendary Elf King, decides to turn his back on this agreement, and wishes to lay waste to mankind. This would allow the fantasy world of trolls, elves, and other such creatures to roam freely over the planet.

To achieve this, the ambitious prince seeks to reunite three components of a fabled crown which can control an immense army of automated, indestructible behemoths (hence, the titular Golden Army). This plan would have merit, were it not for the interference of Anung Un Rama (aka Hellboy, again played by Ron Perlman), pyrokinetic Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), and anthropomorphic amphibian Abe Sapien (Doug Jones).

Cast of Hellboy Back for Sequel

Genre actor Ron Perlman returns in top form for this sequel, and still has plenty fun with the Hellboy character. His portrayal of the alleged destroyer of worlds, is one of humor, cynicism, and witty banter. In other words, he's an exact personification of Mignola's graphic novel character. When he isn't fighting demons, elves or vampires, he's right at home in BPRD's headquarters, downing dozens of beers, and playing with his beloved kitties.

Selma Blair is also back as fiery love interest Liz Sherman. She helps further the love/hate relationship she and Hellboy have nurtured since the end of the first movie. This time around she has much more to play with, has more screen presence, and strengthens what only added up to a minor contribution in the original film.

In an ironic twist of fate, versatile physical actor Doug Jones once against portrays Abe Sapien, but also voice the character in this sequel. Frasier alum David Hyde-Pierce voiced Sapien in the original. Both actors have a similar timber to their voices, and so the transition is pleasantly transparent.

One more notable appearance in this movie: Family Guy creator and voice actor extraordinaire Seth McFarlane provides the voice of latest B.P.R.D. addition Dr. Johann Krauss, a former human who, as a result of a botched seance, now exists as sentient ectoplasm. McFarlane goes overboard with the character's marked German accent; one is forced to ignore the obvious familiarity of the voice heard, lest we start thinking of Brian or Stewie Griffin inside the smoke-filled bodysuit.

Finally, props go to Luke Goss, whose portrayal of Prince Nuada is a breath of fresh air. His mastery of the swords, along with his grasp of the complex wire acrobatics needed for this movie, help make him a masterful villain. Think of him as what would have happened had Jet Li been cast as Legolas in Lord of the Rings, and you'd get the idea. Deadly, graceful, and precise.

Creatures in Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Fans of Guillermo Del Toro's previous work Pan's Labyrinth will recognize the director's ability to create a palpable environment for his actors, by resorting to live creature suits, rather than rely on too much CGI. The result is a pleasant treat for the senses.

Overall, Hellboy II: The Golden Army is a valid successor to its first installment, having cleverly incorporated elements of the comic book's mythos into both stories. This film is a must for the die-hard fans of Mike Mignola's written works, and it offers a good time, if you're a sci-fi fantasy aficionado.

Fun Trivia: Television veteran Roy Dotrice, who played "Father" alongside Ron (Hellboy) Perlman in the fantasy TV series Beauty and the Beast, appears in this film as the Elf King.8 out of 10

Ron Perlman in Hellboy II: The Golden Army

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